Congenital Herpes Simplex Type II Infection with Extensive Hepatic Calcification, Bone Lesions and Cataracts: Complete Postmortem Examination

Abstract

True congenital herpes simplex viral (HSV) infections [in humans] were reported infrequently and were associated with various congenital malformations. Microcephaly, microphthalmia, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis, congenital heart disease and abnormal digits were associated with presumed congenital HSV infection. This report describes the clinical and pathological features of an infant with a congenital type-II HSV infection. Besides the findings previously reported with this form of HSV infection, extensive hepatic calcifications, osseous lesions and cataracts were observed for the 1st time. The effect of congenital HSV infection on the developing CNS is discussed.